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Alabama football can’t even hold a real spring game due to injuries: What kind of team can it field in 2025?

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Alabama football can’t even hold a real spring game due to injuries: What kind of team can it field in 2025?


Kalen DeBoer knows what A-Day means to the Alabama football fanbase. It’s why the Crimson Tide isn’t following in the footsteps of Texas, Nebraska and USC and outright canceling its spring game.

So Alabama football will host fans for a spring football event Saturday afternoon. A game? More like a practice, one that lets DeBoer “show off (his) guys and let (his) guys do their thing.”

But should that be cause for panic for the 2025 season?

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To DeBoer, it’s not about the overarching storyline of college football teams using spring games as a transfer portal showcase – even with the Crimson Tide’s A-Day festivities not being televised Saturday.

To DeBoer, he said it’s about control. It’s about having the ability to stop things when he wants to, tinker when he wants to tinker and ensure quality reps over everything else.

But when talking about A-Day in late March and what “the game” itself would look like, control was not first on DeBoer’s mind.

“It’s just that we’re very careful,” DeBoer said.

And as Alabama’s spring practice schedule rolled along, it was clear why “careful” was the first thing on DeBoer’s mind.

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Alabama football injury list proves too much for ‘spring game’

Alabama has been ravaged by injuries this spring.

On offense, it starts with tight end. Josh Cuevas, Danny Lewis and Marshall Pritchett have each had their spring shortened with injuries. And with reinforcements not arriving until the summer in freshman Kaleb Edwards, the Crimson Tide is down to five tight ends, only one of whom is a scholarship option: Jay Lindsey.

On the offensive line, Alabama has been without starting left tackle Kadyn Proctor, leading to a mishmash of players: from freshman guard Michael Carroll and freshman tackle Jackson Lloyd, to guard-turned-tackle Olaus Alinen and Ball State transfer Arkel Anugwom, filling in the gaps.

Add a “couple of nicks” to wide receiver Ryan Williams that will likely keep him out Saturday, and you have an offense that is projected to look much different on A-Day than it is expected to look this fall.

On defense, it’s the same story.

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Projected starters Deontae Lawson, Domani Jackson, Keon Sabb, Justin Jefferson and James Smith are all either out or limited this spring, as are punter Alex Asparuhov and long snapper David Bird.

At some positions, the Crimson Tide has answers. Alabama has depth in the defensive backfield in players like Zavier Mincey, Dijon Lee, Ivan Taylor and Cameron Calhoun. But that is not the same across the board.

While Alabama is overflowing with options at wolf linebacker, the middle linebacker spots are sparse without Lawson and Jefferson. Colorado transfer Nikhai Hill-Green and returners Cayden Jones and QB Reese are the only scholarship players that separate the Crimson Tide from true freshmen Luke Metz, Duke Johnson and Abduall Sanders Jr.

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The same can be said on the interior of the defensive line. But as spring has continued, praise for players like Edric Hill and Kelby Collins, who is cross-training at both bandit and inside, has lessened the blow of Smith being limited.

Does Alabama have a depth problem?

Alabama can breath a sigh of relief.

Most of its spring injuries come at spots with proven starters or enough experience to project players as significant contributors come fall: left tackle, tight end, defensive tackle, Mike and Will linebacker, safety and cornerback. And because of spring, the Crimson Tide seems to be building much more depth than it would have had if it had a healthy roster.

But the question remains.

While Alabama is focused on position battles at left guard, at quarterback and husky, could the main question out of spring be if the Crimson Tide has enough depth to contend?

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In the world of the transfer portal, it’s a question many programs across the country face. And at Alabama, it’s rearing its head especially on the offensive line and at both Will and Mike linebacker.

As the roster stands, Alabama doesn’t seem to have much room for error, something that seems clear to DeBoer as he prepares for a “very careful” A-Day.

Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter. 



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Alabama

How former Alabama basketball players performed in 2025 NBA Summer League debut

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How former Alabama basketball players performed in 2025 NBA Summer League debut


This past Thursday, the 2025 NBA Summer League officially began play out in Las Vegas, Nevada, with many former Alabama Crimson Tide basketball players among the names competing for NBA roster spots in the coming weeks.

Among this group of former Alabama players, all four of the Crimson Tide’s undrafted prospects from the 2025 NBA draft are in Las Vegas this week to showcase their talents for the first time at the professional level, while there are a few others from the program’s past as well.

There is also a former first round pick among this group who played in the first Summer League games, a player who has NBA experience.

Here is a look at how every former Alabama player performed during their 2025 NBA Summer League debut across the last two days.

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Undrafted last month, Youngblood was among the biggest talking points Thursday afternoon from Oklahoma City’s 90-81 win over the Nets, scoring 19 points with five rebounds on 7-of-10 shooting from the field, as well as 3-of-5 from three. Drawing the start, Youngblood went on to play 26 minutes where the guard had two steals with a +/- of +23, while also shooting 3-of-5 from three, as well as 2-of-3 at the free throw line.

On the other side of that 90-81 win from Oklahoma City over Brooklyn was Nelson, who came off the Nets bench to play 14 total minutes in his first game after going undrafted. Overall, Nelson had five points, two rebounds, and one assist on 2-of-4 shooting from the field, as well as 1-of-3 from three-point range.

Sears did not see action during his first game as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks during their 90-89 victory over the Orlando Magic. The next chance for Sears to make his Summer League debut will come Saturday as Milwaukee faces the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Aaron Estrada, Guard – Memphis Grizzlies

Estrada came off the bench for Memphis during the Grizzlies’ 92-78 loss against the Boston Celtics, scoring eight points with a rebound across 16 minutes. The former Alabama guard also shot 4-of-6 from the field, while also 0-of-1 from three.

Kira Lewis Jr., Guard – Miami Heat

A former first round pick from the 2020 NBA draft, Lewis started for the Miami Heat during their 105-98 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, scoring four points on 1-of-6 shooting from the field with five rebounds and seven assists. Across 26 minutes, Lewis also shot 0-of-2 from three, as well as 2-of-2 at the free throw line.

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Omoruyi came off the Raptors bench in Toronto’s 116-72 blowout victory over the Chicago Bulls, but played only five minutes. The former Alabama center had two points and one assist on 2-of-4 shooting from the free throw line.

Shackelford came off Golden State’s bench in the Warriors’ 106-73 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, scoring nine points with two rebounds and one assist across 20 minutes. The former Alabama guard also shot 3-of-7 from the field, 2-of-6 from three, and 1-of-3 at the free throw line.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.





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Ex-Alabama hoops player Darius Miles set to appear in court for capital murder case

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Ex-Alabama hoops player Darius Miles set to appear in court for capital murder case


A date has been set for former Alabama basketball player Darius Miles to stand trial for capital murder.

Miles’ trial will begin Dec. 1 in Alabama Circuit Court, more than two years after his arrest for his role in a fatal shooting in Tuscaloosa, per ESPN.

The 23-year-old’s co-defendant, Michael Davis, is currently appealing the verdict which found him guilty on capital murder charges in May and sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Miles is accused of “aiding and abetting” Davis in the murder of Jamea Harris.

Darius Miles’ trial has been scheduled for December. AP

Davis, Miles’ childhood friend, was found guilty of shooting and killing Harris while she sat in the passenger seat of her Jeep — Davis was in a shootout with Harris’ boyfriend, Cedric Johnson.

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Davis’ defense attorneys argued that he was protecting himself from Johnson.

Miles played in 53 games for Alabama from 2020-23. Getty Images

Prosecutors allege that Miles was the one who supplied Davis with the gun prior to the killing of Harris.

Miles’ teammate at the time, current Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller, was previously tied up in the case as he was initially said to have knowingly delivered the murder weapon.

Miller and Miles had been texting in the time leading up to the murder, and Miller drove to Miles’ location with Miles’ weapon in the vehicle to pick him up.

Miles puts up a three-pointer in 2022. Getty Images

However, Miller testified in Davis’ trial, saying that he was unaware of Miles’ gun being in his car.

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Miller has cooperated with the trial and hasn’t been accused of any wrongdoing or charged with any crime.

It’s not yet known if Miller will be called to testify for Miles’ trial as he did for Davis’ trial.

Brandon Miller testified in Davis’ trial, as Miller was a teammate of Miles at the time and had contact with the two the night of the murder. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

Miles has been held in Tuscaloosa County Jail since his arrest on Jan. 15, 2023, which was the day he was also promptly removed from the Alabama men’s basketball team.

In three seasons for the Crimson Tide, the 6-foot-6 forward average 4.2 points and 2.3 rebounds across 53 total appearances.

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Amber Alert in Alabama: Auburn Police Hunt for Suspect Father in Double Homicide, Son Missing

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Amber Alert in Alabama: Auburn Police Hunt for Suspect Father in Double Homicide, Son Missing


Auburn Police found a woman and her juvenile daughter dead at a Samantha Court home during a welfare check.

Photo : iStock

A chilling discovery in Auburn, Alabama, has sparked an urgent Amber Alert for 3-year-old Jibreel Harun, believed to be in imminent danger after a double homicide. Auburn Police responded to a welfare check at a home in the 1200 block of Samantha Court around 2:30 p.m. On Thursday, the bodies of an adult woman and her juvenile daughter, whose identities remain undisclosed, were found. The scene, captured in photos submitted by a WSFA 12 News viewer, revealed a grim tragedy that has shaken the community.

Investigators quickly identified Aaron Dontay Williams, 41, the husband of the deceased woman and father of the missing child, as a key suspect. Williams was not at the home when police arrived, and authorities believe he has fled with Jibreel, last seen on Monday. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency issued the Amber Alert, warning that the child’s life is at risk.

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Suspect Considered Armed and Dangerous

Williams, described as 6’1”, 240 pounds, with a medium complexion, is believed to be driving a grey 2010 Honda Accord with Alabama license plate 43A224A. The Auburn Police Department has urged the public not to approach Williams, who is considered armed and dangerous, and to call 911 immediately if spotted. Tips on his whereabouts should be reported to 334-501-7313, as law enforcement intensifies the manhunt across east Alabama.

The double homicide investigation is ongoing, with police yet to release details on the cause of death or motive. The community is reeling from the loss of the woman and her daughter, described by neighbours as a tight-knit family. Authorities are working around the clock to locate Jibreel and bring Williams into custody before further harm occurs.

Community Urged to Stay Vigilant

The Amber Alert has mobilised residents and law enforcement across Alabama, with Jibreel’s safety at the forefront of the search. The Auburn Police Department is coordinating with state agencies to track the suspect’s vehicle, last seen in the Auburn area. Community members are asked to check security footage and report any sightings of the grey Honda Accord to aid in the investigation.

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As the search continues, Auburn residents are grappling with the shock of the violent crime in their quiet neighbourhood. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency has emphasised the urgency of the situation, noting that every moment is critical in ensuring Jibreel’s safe return. Updates will be provided as the investigation unfolds.





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